Hypnotherapy. One size fits all right? Not really, how hypnotherapy does not change based on the type of hypnotherapy chosen, however, how a hypnotherapist conducts a hypnotherapy session changes slightly depending on the type of hypnotherapy that is selected.

In this article, we will learn about the different types of hypnotherapy with the aim that you will be able to walk away with a greater understanding that there is not just one type of hypnotherapy, and the ability to better find the right hypnotherapist for you and your health and wellness needs.

Types of Hypnotherapy

From the traditional type of suggestion hypnotherapy to more modern type of Eriksonian hypnotherapy - to the readily available type of self-hypnosis, we are going to be looking at a brief introduction to the top nine types of hypnotherapy.

1. Clinical Hypnotherapy

What do you think of when you hear the word clinical? Some hypnotherapists aim to tell their clients and the people that they treat that they do clinical hypnotherapy. The interesting thing about clinical hypnotherapy is that it does not so much differ in how a hypnotherapy session is conducted, but it differs in the location that a hypnotherapy session is conducted. Clinical hypnotherapy is a type of hypnotherapy that is occurring in a clinical setting is a hospital or location where medical conditions are treated.

2. Suggestion Hypnotherapy

There are times when suggestion hypnotherapy is seen as the first and traditional type of hypnotherapy. Of course, all the types of hypnotherapy that we are going to explore and learn about, have the act of suggestion after a person has started a hypnotherapy session and has entered the state of hypnosis. What gives suggestion hypnotherapy its name is the fact that - direct suggestions are the main focus of this type of hypnotherapy. An example of direct suggestion is: You will stop smoking.

3. Ericksonian Hypnotherapy

How would you like to be known as the father of modern hypnotherapy? To have taken some form of a treatment option that is available to help many people living with numerous health conditions: physical, emotional, and psychological. That is exactly what Milton Erickson did. The Ericksonian hypnotherapy type uses three destructive methods:

  1. Indirect suggestions

  2. Metaphors

  3. Storytelling

An example of an indirect suggestion is: You might wish to discuss the alternatives to smoking if you are ready to do so.

4. Hypno-psychotherapy

Thinking you might want to have the benefits of traditional psychotherapy methods but also want the experience and benefits of hypnotherapy? Hypno-psychotherapy may be the type of hypnotherapy for you. A hypno-psychotherapist often have fours years of higher education in psychotherapy and psychology along with training and certification in hypnotherapy.

5. Hypnoanalysis

Want to know why you are doing something? Why a habit has formed? Oh, why? Essentially, do you want to know the root cause of what you are experiencing or what it is you want to change? The type of hypnotherapy known as hypnoanalysis aims to do that for through a hypnotherapist. Once a root cause has been identified through hypnotherapy, challenges you are facing are aided through the use of hypnotherapy to minimize negative associations with the root cause of the challenge being faced.

6. Cognitive Hypnotherapy

What if the reason why you are looking into hypnotherapy, is not because you want to change a behavior but that you feel mentally stuck or almost like you may have brain fog? This is where the cognitive type of hypnotherapy comes into play. The aim of cognitive hypnotherapy is to help you change how something is perceived and thinking patterns. One way that a cognitive hypnotherapy focused hypnotherapist aims to do this is by helping align a person's subconscious with the conscious. Essentially aligning thoughts of the past with the present for a greater connection to reality. Cognitive hypnotherapy is known to combine many methods and tools to help those choosing hypnotherapy. Here is a list of the methods that might be used:

  1. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

  2. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

  3. Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT)

7. Past Life Regression

Are you a believer of reincarnation? Wanting help to remember memories from a past life? Wondering how a past life may be impacting your life today, and the challenges you are facing? This is the aim of past life regression hypnotherapy.

8. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy

Experiencing a problem? Whether or not a hypnotherapist advertises and markets themselves as offering a solution-focused type of hypnotherapy - they often are.

If a hypnotherapist is goal oriented in their practice, then they are practicing solution focused hypnotherapy. In solution focused hypnotherapy, questions are used as a method of retrieving solutions from within yourself for the challenges you may be facing.

9. Self-Hypnosis

Would you rather not travel for hypnotherapy? Does the idea of doing a session of hypnotherapy from the comfort of your own home sound appealing? You could find a hypnotherapy script and or create one for yourself. Or if that is not a path you want to venture down, do not fret. Self-hypnosis is still an option. From the realms of Youtube to downloadable Mp3 files, you do not have to always travel to experience the benefits of hypnotherapy.

In addition, most hypnotherapists provide Mp3 files of hypnotherapy sessions you do with them or audio files you can use in between sessions. So even if you choose to see a hypnotherapist in person, self-hypnosis can still be combined with in-person hypnotherapy sessions with a hypnotherapist if you choose.

More Information

Want more information on hypnotherapy? Check out these other resources:

References:

Alladin, A. (2012). Cognitive Hypnotherapy: A New Vision and Strategy for Research and Practice. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis,54(4), 249-262. doi:10.1080/00029157.2012.654528

Short, D. (2018). Conversational Hypnosis: Conceptual and Technical Differences Relative to Traditional Hypnosis. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis,61(2), 125-139. doi:10.1080/00029157.2018.1441802